WEEKEND GETAWAYS

Simply Grand!

North. South. East. West. In IMAGES: Jack Dykinga's Grand Canyon, our Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer visits every side of the Grand Canyon 35 sites in all. Order now and SAVE 15% off the cover price. Visit arizonahighways.com or call 800-543-5432. Offer expires January 31, 2009. Use Media Code #591. Shipping and handling not included. You can also visit our retail location at 2039 W. Lewis Avenue in Phoenix.

With gas prices where they are, traveling is more expensive than it was a year ago — we're not going to pretend otherwise. Still, a road trip in Arizona is a pretty good bargain, whether it's a visit to Desert View Watchtower at the South Rim, the Bluegrass on the Beach concert series in Lake Havasu City or the Butterfly Lodge Museum in Greer. What follows are 25 of the state's best weekend getaways. Some you can experience in a couple of hours, and others will take a day or two. Either way, there's something in here for everyone.

Week end get aways Grand Canyon Field Institute Classes GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK

It's hard to argue there's a more beautiful classroom than the Grand Canyon, and the instructors at the Grand Canyon Field Institute have made the great gorge their primary subject. More than 200 classes each year focus on everything from learning about the Canyon's natural history to backcountry medicine. For many, the introductory backpacking class is the most appropriate. After hik-ing down Bright Angel Trail, students spend two nights at the Bright Angel Campground and explore places like the slot canyon carved by Phantom Creek, Indian Garden Campground and scenic Plateau Point. Information: 928-638-2485 or grandcanyon.org.

GREER

When James Willard Schultz and his Native American wife came to this small Mormon town, no one could have expect-ed how well the untraditional couple would fit in with their neighbors. With the help of a local family, Schultz and his son, Lone Wolf, built a cabin-turned-hunting-lodge in Greer in 1913. They named it Apuni Oyis, which means “butterfly lodge” in Blackfoot. Today, the lodge is a museum that honors the Schultzes and displays some of their original works - James was a writer, and Lone Wolf, or Hart Merriam, was an artist and sculptor. Once a year, Greer pays homage to James by per-forming a dramatization of his first novel, My Life As an Indian, at the town's community center. Information: 928-735-7514 or www. wmonline.com/butterflylodge.htm.

Hopi Mesa Tours HOPI NATION

According to the story of the Four Worlds, the Hopis were led into this world through a reed that took them to the Grand Canyon, their sipapu, or place of emergence. They were allowed to stay as long as they promised to take care of the land. Nearly 1,000 years later, they still inhabit the same area. This tale, along with several others, is part of Gary Tso's tour of the mesas of Hopiland. In addition to storytelling, Tso also introduces people to native artists, takes them through the village of Old Oraibi and shows them some of the more than 15,000 petroglyphs that still exist on the reser-vation. Information: 928-734-2567 or e-mail Gary Tso at [email protected]. There aren't many buildings at the Grand Canyon that Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter didn't have a hand in designing. Her most physically prominent contribution is the Desert View Watchtower, the tallest building on the South Rim. Initially meant to be a rest stop and gift shop, Colter modeled the 70-foot tower after a prehistoric Indian structure. When it opened in 1933, the bottom floor operated as a souvenir shop for visitors with the upper levels serving as observation decks, which look out across the Grand Canyon to the Painted Desert and San Francisco Peaks. Inside, murals painted by Hopi artist Fred Kabotie depict various aspects of Indian life in the area, including images of Hopi mythology. Information: 928-638-7888 or nps.gov/grca.

Desert View Watchtower SOUTH RIM, GRAND CANYON Snowflake Historic Homes Tour SNOWFLAKE

Twenty-four. That's the num ber of children James Flake had; nine with his first wife and 15 with the next. He needed a big house - one with three stories and space on the roof for entertaining guests. Not too far away, former Mormon Church leader and Territorial legislator Jesse N. Smith and his five wives occupied another section of the same town. Each woman had her own house, although only one of the homes still remains. That structure, with separate rooms representing each of Smith's wives, is part of the Snowflake Historic Homes Tour. There are more than 100 historic buildings on the walking tour; eight are open to the public and serve as examples of early pioneer culture. Information: 928-536-4881 or ci.snowflake.az.us.

GRAND CANYON AUDIO RANGER

Personal tour guides are now avail-able at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Sort of. Because only one in 1,000 visitors gets a chance to interact with a ranger, the Grand Canyon Association is now offer-ing a professionally produced audio tour, which is available on reload-able MP3 players at GCA outlets throughout the park. "The easier you're able to get the informa-tion about a place you want, the more likely you are to connect to that place and really get the most out of it," says Helen Thompson, a spokesperson for the GCA. The tour covers everything from the park's geology and human history to wildlife and natural history, and it's presented by park rangers and locals. Thompson says the audio tour was made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, and a partnership with Arizona State University and the GCA. For pre-trip planners, Thompson says downloadable files of the tour are available at the GCA Web site, where the information is transferrable to as many MP3 play-ers and iPods as desired. The cost is $5.95. The other option is to buy the tour at the park. The kit, which includes an MP3 player, is $19.95. "This really isn't a moneymaker," Thompson says. "We just look at it as a way to connect visitors in as many ways as we can." Information: grandcanyon.org. - Kendall Wright

Chapel of the Holy Cross SEDONA

Marguerite Brunswig Staude traveled all over Europe and the United States before finding the perfect place to build her dream church, and she couldn't have chosen a better spot. The Chapel of the Holy Cross sits atop the red rocks of Sedona with views that are tough to emulate. Even the structure itself is something of a miracle. Wedged between two rocks more than 200 feet above the ground, a large cross provides a stark contrast to the blue sky and the burnt sienna founda-tion. Marguerite's goal was to inspire people to worship with-out distraction, which explains the church's spartan interior. Information: 928-282-4069 or chapeloftheholycross.com. Even though the unincorporated town of Cornville isn't famous for corn, don't write it off - its vineyards and wineries have gained national attention. Grapes thrive in the area's moderate temperatures and volcanic soil, and while all three of the town's major vineyards offer a diversity of varietals, the Page Springs area is known for its Zinfandels and other red wines. Javelina Leap Vineyard & Winery won top honors at the 2007 Zinfandel Advocates and Producers Festival; Page Springs Vineyards & Cellars has been perfecting its Syrahs; and Oak Creek Vineyards and Winery continues to add to its wide variety. All three vineyards are located on Page Springs Road, and they're close enough to one another to walk if you overindulge during tastings. Information: sedona-verdevalley.com.

Page Springs Wine Tour Fort Apache Historic Park FORT APACHE INDIAN RESERVATION

The Apache Indians had a love-hate relationship with Arizona settlers. While some Apaches launched violent raids, many were peaceful. In 1870, one year after General E.O.C. Ord reported a friendly encounter between Captain John Berry and a group of Apaches at their White Mountain village, the U.S. government established a military post nearby. Initially called Camp Ord, its purpose was to quell attacks by rogue Apache leaders - notably Geronimo and Cochise. Camp Ord's name changed several times, and the camp finally became Fort Apache in 1879, nearly a decade after construction first began. After Geromino's surrender in 1886, peace was restored to the region. Today, visitors can tour the 288acre area that includes the Fort Apache Cultural Center and Museum. Information: 928-338-1230 or www.wmonline. com/attract/ftapache.htm.

First Saturday Art Walk

Imagine downtown Phoenix's First Fridays with fewer trendy teenagers, less walking and more variety. That's Jerome's monthly art festival. With more than 20 participating galleries and studios, Jerome's First Saturday Art Walk is one of the town's main attractions. Visitors can check out the largest collection of kaleidoscopes in the United States at Nellie Bly Gallery, then head over to the Old Jerome High School and walk through the 15 studios and galleries housed inside. Like First Fridays, Jerome's art walk features live music, food and wine. Information: 928-6492277 or jeromeartwalk.com.

Black Rock Ranch

It's not a vacation until you learn how to lasso a steer and see a branding. That's the motto at Black Rock Ranch. This wilderness retreat has been family-owned since the 1890s, serving not only as a place to relax but also to get a taste of Old West history in the form of a working cattle ranch. Guests learn how to shoot a 12-gauge shotgun and cook a meal over a campfire with a Dutch oven. There are also horseshoes and hikes. Evenings, an open-air ramada provides the perfect place to stargaze by a fire before heading into your log cabin for the night. Keep in mind, the rough roads to the ranch require a high-clearance vehicle. Information: 928-428-6481 or blackrockranch.com.

Route 66 Museum KINGMAN

Over the years, millions of people have gotten their kicks on Route 66 as they traveled through Arizona on what John Steinbeck called the "mother road." Kingman was one of many stops, but it wasn't just another roadside city. Kingman broke up the highway's longest uninterrupted stretch in Arizona, and was a welcome rest stop for weary travelers. Its importance died down when Interstate 40 bypassed Kingman completely in 1981. Luckily, the road's role in the city's past is kept alive at the Route 66 Museum, which features photos, old cars, murals and other memorabilia. Of course, you'll have to take a scenic drive down the road to get the full effect. Information: 928-753-9889 or kingmantourism.org.

Bluegrass on the Beach LAKE HAVASU CITY

It's not Santa Monica, but Bluegrass on the Beach music festival has all the right elements - and it's seaweed-free. The three-day event (March 6-8) features award-winning bands from all over the country. This year, Dailey & Vincent, Cherryholmes and the United States Navy Band's "Country Current" are among the artists scheduled to perform. Everything you could need is provided for on site - including a shuttle bus, food, water and showers - which comes in handy for those who choose to camp out for the weekend. Single-day tickets are also available. Either way, you can expect some of the best bluegrass in the country and a beautiful backdrop to boot. Information: 209-785-4693 or landspromotions.com.

Oatman Hotel OATMAN

Years after being kidnapped by Indians and forced to work as a slave, Olive Oatman was released in 1856 at Fort Yuma. Although the town named for Olive may have gotten off to a rocky start, things got better. Clark Gable fell in love with the area and spent the first night of his honeymoon with Carole Lombard at the Oatman Hotel. Today, the hotel is one of many stops for history buffs and ghost hunters along Historic Route 66. You can't spend the night anymore, but the staff at the Oatman Hotel is happy to serve up an authentic buffalo burger and some homemade burro ears (don't worry, they're potato chips). Real burros, ears intact, panhandle outside on the street. Jerry Love, owner of Classy Ass Gifts, boasts that the town has "a whole lot of jackasses... the four-legged kind." Information: 928-768-4408 or 928-768-6222.

Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park YUMA

It's hard to imagine Yuma as an important river port, but before the railroad came into the city in 1877, it was. Supplies from the U.S. Army's Quartermaster Depot were ferried across waterways or taken by mule to their destinations throughout the Southwest until Fort Lowell in Tucson took over operations in 1880. After sending most of the major equipment there, not much was left at Yuma, and the depot was closed a decade later. Fortunately, five of the original buildings still remain. There's a museum and gift shop, too, and a picnic area for visitors who take their own supplies in the form of a food-filled basket. Information: 928-329-0471 or azstateparks.com/Parks/Yuqa.

Cocopah Museum & Cultural Center SOMERTON

The Kwapa tribe, known more commonly as the Cocopah, has lived along the Colorado River for as long as anyone can remember. It makes sense, considering Kwapa means "river people." Nobody is sure of the exact history of the tribe, however, because for centuries it had no written language records were kept through the telling of stories. While some of their history can never be revived, the Cocopahs constructed a museum more than a decade ago. Part of the museum features life-size statues of Cocopah Indians, as well as other aspects of Cocopah life, including traditional clothing and musical instruments. Many of their customs are still carried on, like beading and doll making, and some arts and crafts are for sale at the museum's gift shop. Information: 928-627-1992 or cocopah.com.

16 West of Western Culinary Festival PHOENIX

Normally, food and drinks aren't associated with the Phoenix Art Museum, which is home to hundreds of priceless works of art. However, the museum is hosting the 5th Annual West of Western Culinary Festival during the second weekend in March. The food stays outside, of course, but the Dorrance Sculpture Garden makes for an amazing restaurant. More than 50 chefs from some of Phoenix's best restaurants stop by, and their dishes go perfectly with the more than 100 wines and spirits that are also available. They call it "The Grand Tasting," and it's just that. Experts offer cooking classes, demos and wine tips throughout the day with live music in the background. Information: 602-262-5652 or westofwestern.com.

17

Kay El Bar Ranch WICKENBURG

In 1925, a room at the Kay el Bar Ranch went for just $8 a night. Today, it'll run you a little more. What hasn't changed is its status as an official Arizona dude ranch, complete with a game of horseshoes and cowboy poetry readings at night. Every day except Sundays and holidays, the main activities center on horseback rid-ing, whether it's learning how to ride or enjoying the trails on the property. There are horses for people of all skill levels, les-sons for first-timers and even a chance at cattle sorting. When guests aren't out and about, there's plenty to do back at the ranch, including birdwatching - more than 150 different species of birds have been identified in the area. Information: 928-684-7593 or kayelbar.com.

18 Cactus League Spring Training METROPOLITAN PHOENIX & TUCSON

As you probably know, the boys of summer spend their spring in Arizona. In all, the state hosts 14 teams. The first games came to town in 1946 after racial tensions in Florida forced Cleveland Indians player Larry Doby, the American League's first black player, to sleep in a separate hotel room. Indians owner Bill Veeck vowed to move his team to Tucson if Horace Stoneham, then owner of the New York Giants, promised to go to Phoenix. Both came, and you can't blame them. There aren't many other places in the country that average more than 300 days of sun each year. So, instead of taking a sweater and umbrella, baseball fans at Cactus League Spring Training games take sunblock, blankets and bathing suits. Information: cactusleague.com.

20 Schnepf Farms QUEEN CREEK

Last fall they carved Muhammad Ali's likeness into a cornfield. Think crop circles, only better. When they're not using their vegetables for giant portraits, the folks at Schnepf Farms invite visitors to come and pick them. Available November through June, the "U-pick Garden & Orchards" offer a variety of pickings, from peaches and plums to sweet peas and pickling cucumbers. For $1.50 per pound, you can fill up on fresh, organic fruits and vegetables until your arms hurt. Afterward, stop by the Fresh From the Farm restaurant for a delicious home-cooked meal. The entire Schnepf family is known to roam around inside, with Carrie in the kitchen making garlic mashed potatoes and pot roast, while the rest of the family socializes with guests. You won't get service like that at the local grocery store. Information: 480-987-3100 or schnepffarms.com.

19 Desert Botanical Garden PHOENIX

People say that when you rub the leaves of a creosote bush together, it smells exactly like the desert after it rains. Find out for yourself at Desert Botanical Garden. The 50-acre garden showcases some 20,000 different desert plants from all over the world, 139 of which are considered rare, threatened or endangered. That's no small feat, especially when you take into account that Desert Botanical Garden also features a variety of events and exhibits, including flashlight tours, photography, art and even live musical performances. And there's more. Classes are available for everyone from preschoolers to adults on just about any topic under the sun, including gardening and botanical art. Information: 480-9411225 or dbg.org.